Written by

Last updated

If you’re planning to explore the Dalmatian Coast or visit one of the many picture-perfect Croatian islands that include Brač or Hvar, then you need to get to know Jadrolinija, Croatia’s major ferry operator.

Croatia’s national shipping company Jadrolinija (meaning ‘Adriatic Line’) offers the widest coverage of catamaran and car ferry routes along the Croatian coastline, including two international lines to Italy.

Clock-wise from top left: Stunning Zlatni Rat beach on Brac island, Hvar island, historic Dubrovnik and the old town of Rab.

Scenic ferry destinations include the island of Brač with Zlatni Rat beach near Bol, popular Hvar island, the historic walled city of Dubrovnik and the idyllic island and medieval town of Rab.Read on to find out how to get there.

FERRY TIP: To score the best seats, be sure to arrive at least an hour prior to your departure and be first in line as boarding begins – seat reservations aren’t always possible.

What are the boats like?

The boats are generally similar, carrying anywhere from 150–1,200 passengers and 30–200 vehicles, with toilets, deck space, air-conditioned salons and snack bars selling drinks, sandwiches and sweets. International lines offer sleeping cabins, a restaurant and cafe bar. Younger staff generally speak good English, while older generations tend to be more fluent with Italian or German.

What’s the difference between Jadrolinija and other Croatia ferry services?

Most private operators are equally as reliable as Jadrolinija. The main difference is that Jadrolinija offers the highest frequency of services and ferry lines, regardless of demand. Jadrolinija boats will only cancel their trips due to technical issues or severe weather conditions (high-speed winds such as the northeastern Adriatic wind called bura). Most private ferry services are specialised in popular local routes or certain districts of the coast, and reserve the right to change timetables and services without prior notice.

If you’re transporting a vehicle, Jadrolinija should be your first point of research as it offers the largest number of car ferries along the Adriatic. Privately-owned companies mainly offer foot passenger transit (hence their more frequent departure times and faster journeys).

Why would I pick a private operator over Jadrolinija?

There are two main reasons:
1. If the service offers a faster journey by speedboat/catamaran
2. If the service offers a more suitable departure time

FERRY TIP: One of the best ferries sailing the Adriatic is Jadrolinija’s 100m-long Korčula, completed in 2017 with a capacity of 700 passengers and 170 vehicles. Its hour-long route starts at Split, and heads to the islands of Korčula and Lastovo at a speed of 16 knots (about 30km/h). The catamaran Vida, which also operates in the Split area to the islands of Hvar and Korčula, has a capacity of 304 passengers and sails at 33 knots (around 60km/h).

How often do the boats sail?

FERRY TIP: Croatian ferry lines often adjust their schedules to suit inhabitants who live on islands and travel to the mainland, offering 1–2 trips in the morning and 1–2 trips back in the afternoon/evening.

Children up to three years old travel on Jadrolinija for free. On catamarans, children aged one year and below must sit on their parent’s lap. Children aged 1–3 receive their own ticket and seat. Tickets for children aged 3–12 are 50% cheaper than the regular prices.

How do I book?

Book Jadrolinija ferries online and pick your ticket up at the ferry booth at the port, or purchase tickets directly at the port’s ticket offices. You can use debit/credit cards for either option. Online tickets cannot be purchased on the date of travel for high-speed (catamaran) lines.
An alternative online option is to book through Direct Ferries.

There are no multi-day Jadrolinija ferry passes; you’ll need to book each trip separately.

FERRY TIP: You may notice that some ferry lines are not always available online; this is because certain timetables/schedules are not yet released by the ferry operator. You will always find the most accurate and recent info at the ticket booths at ports.

How do I check in?

If you’re transporting a car during peak season, purchase your tickets in advance and get in line with your vehicle two to three hours before departure

If you’re travelling on foot during peak season, be at the port 90 minutes prior to departure

If you’re travelling on foot during off-peak season, be at the port 40 minutes prior to departure

Arriving at the port earlier does not mean that the crew will let you on board before boarding begins

What documents do I need?

International ferries: valid passport and ticket

Local (domestic) ferries: valid ferry ticket

FERRY TIP: Keep in mind Croatian law requires both citizens and tourists to carry identification with them at all times (valid ID card or passport).

What amenities are there?

Seating, amenities and services

Seating options

Yes (only indoors on catamarans), inside and outside (ferries)

Tables

Yes (indoors mostly on ferries)

Deck space

Yes (ferries)

WC

Yes (both ferries and catamarans)

Snack bar

Yes (both ferries and catamarans)

Restaurant

Only international-line ferries

WiFi

Yes (ferries)

Charging options

Yes

Pets

Yes, in travel boxes (additional fee, depending on route)

Luggage amount

Maximum 20kg (free of charge)

AC

Yes

Entertainment

TV/radio

Smoking

No

Bike transportation

Yes (car ferries only, additional fee – approximately 30 kuna)

FERRY TIP: During summer, find yourself a shady spot out on the deck to avoid freezing in the extremely air-conditioned salon.

What happens if my ferry is cancelled?

If your departure is cancelled due to bad weather or technical issues and you are not provided a substitute trip, you are entitled a full refund at the original ticket booth.

Can I cancel my Jadrolinija ferry trip and how can I get reimbursed?

Yes, you can cancel your trip at Jadrolinija ticket booths up to 6 hours before your scheduled departure and get the full amount of the ticket price back – less 10%.

Italy to Croatia ferry routes?

When travelling from the Croatian coast (Zadar, Split or Dubrovnik) to the Italian coast (Bari or Ancona) or vice versa via Jadrolinija, ticket prices differ according to the type of seating/accommodation, high/low season and day of the week.

You can either pay for your food in advance (when buying your ticket), or on board. It’s always advisable to carry cash, although Jadrolinija generally accepts cards.

Children up to 3 years of age travel on Jadrolinija’s international lines for free if they don’t need their own beds. Tickets for children aged 3-12 are 75% cheaper than adult prices. Travel with your dog for an additional €5. Guide dogs are free of charge.

WiFi is available on international lines, and the ferries have a coffee bar, restaurant, kids corner, small chapel and vehicle garage.

Popular ferry routes include getting from the mainland to Hvar island, Brač island and Pelješac peninsula (Credit: Jadrolinija)

Join our newsletter

Get regular access to our best deals and travel tips in your inbox.

Rome2rio will use the information you provide on this form to provide product updates and marketing offers. You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us.

Rome2rio, based in Melbourne, Australia, is organising the world’s transport information. We offer a multi-modal, door-to-door travel search engine that returns itineraries for air, train, coach, ferry, mass transit and driving options to and from any location. Discover the possibilities at rome2rio.com